07/28/2026
SHE WARNED THE WORLD. TWO WEEKS LATER, SHE WAS GONE.
Just two weeks before her death, Oklahoma hairstylist and TikTok creator Sara Gilson, 43, posted a video that millions of people would later revisit with heartbreak.
Using a popular Netflix documentary trend, she wrote:
"Preparing for when Netflix drops a documentary about my soon-to-be ex-husband who I just found out is a pe*****le."
She added one more chilling sentence:
"I wish I was joking."
According to court records, Sara and her estranged husband, Jeremiah "Shawn" Duffey, were in the middle of a divorce.
Weeks earlier, she had obtained an emergency protective order after alleging he had a firearm, threatened su***de, and fled. A judge ordered him to stay at least 100 yards away from her.
At the same time, another protective order had been sought on behalf of a 15-year-old girl Duffey coached in youth basketball. Court filings allege he kissed and touched the teenager, invited her to his hotel room during a tournament, sent inappropriate messages, and allegedly offered her money to keep quiet. Authorities were already investigating those allegations.
Then came the night of July 23.
One of Sara's children called 911.
Dispatch audio released afterward revealed a dispatcher telling responding officers they could hear a woman screaming and crying, followed by a loud bang over the phone.
When officers entered the home, investigators say they found Sara fatally shot. Police allege Duffey shot her before taking his own life.
Since her death, Sara's first husbandâthe father of her childrenâhas shared that he had begged her for years to leave, saying he believed she was living in an abusive relationship. Friends describe Sara as a devoted mother who was trying to rebuild her life while protecting her children.
This tragedy is another painful reminder that the period during separation is often one of the most dangerous times for survivors of domestic violence. Protective orders can be an important tool, but they cannot always stop someone determined to cause harm.
What more should be done to better protect survivors who are trying to leave abusive relationships?
đ You are not alone. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, the Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence Support Line is here to help.
âď¸ BTSADV Support Line: 1-855-BTS-1777 (1-855-287-1777)